Starlink’s satellite internet services are set to launch soon in India. Starlink has partnered with the country’s two largest telecom providers, Jio and Airtel.
Starlink is owned by Elon Musk, who is recognized as one of the world’s most prominent business figures. In addition to Starlink, Musk is also the owner of Tesla, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, and the social media platform X.
Now, Musk holds a significant position in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Now, let us understand what Starlink is.
Elon Musk may not have succeeded in launching his car in India, but Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has found an opportunity to enter the market.
In this context, Starlink has partnered with local telecom operators in India, such as Jio and Airtel, to offer services on behalf of Starlink. Meanwhile, Starlink utilizes a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to deliver internet services to its customers.
Therefore, whether in remote areas of the country, forests, mountains, or deserts, high-speed internet access can be provided everywhere.
So, let us explain how Starlink works.
Starlink Internet Services provide broadband connectivity for our homes and offices. Unlike other providers, Starlink does not rely on fiber optic cables or traditional towers.
The company has launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. With these satellites, the company provides internet service on Earth. Additionally, the company has confirmed that it will upgrade them with new technology every five years.
For Starlink’s service, users need a dish and a router. The dish connects to Starlink’s satellite, allowing internet access through the router.
It provides stable connectivity, and like a ground connection, the chances of interruption are minimal.
There are over 950 million internet users in India, making it the second-largest internet market in the world.
There are still 450 million people without internet access in India. In this context, Starlink’s satellite internet plan could be a game changer.
The unique feature of this internet service is its ability to easily connect in remote areas using a satellite dish. This capability is why its introduction in India is being regarded as a game changer.
On the other hand, when discussing affordability, Starlink Internet is prohibitively expensive for most people in our country. Many individuals will find it unaffordable.
The primary obstacle to the success of Starlink in India is the cost of its equipment. The hardware required for Starlink is expected to be priced at approximately Rs 37,400, which is 10 to 15 times higher than comparable options.
What Makes Starlink Internet Unique?
Starlink’s greatest strength lies in its ability to provide internet access to even the most remote locations. This service remains operational under the most challenging conditions; it does not falter during floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, or conflicts. Regardless of the circumstances, Starlink’s internet service continues to function seamlessly because it is satellite-based and directly connected to satellites.
Ukraine’s army has been utilizing satellite internet against Russia for the past three years, allowing it to continuously receive intelligence information from Western countries. Despite the destruction caused by bombings in the war zone, communication between the two armies persists, highlighting the unique capabilities of this satellite internet.
However, the challenge for India is that if terrorists in the remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, or Naxalites in the Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, gain access to the internet, or if militants begin to misuse it in the remote areas of the North-East, how will India’s security agencies be able to prevent them?
Starlink states that in such situations, it may also suspend internet services for certain dish antennas.
It is within their power to discontinue the services of certain dishes.
When will Starling’s services begin in India?
It is not possible to provide a specific date for the launch of Starlink’s services in India. This is due to the fact that India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) and the space regulator INSPACE have not yet granted approval for Starlink to commence its internet services.
The company will need to secure additional approvals, including spectrum allocation, data storage in India, and security clearance.
Image credit: wikipedia